FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Sacred Journeys values and honours inclusivity and diversity.
We appreciate that being able to invest time and money in self-growth and personal healing is a great privilege not afforded to all.
Money is not a factor that should prevent anyone from participating.
We hold the following approach to exchanges, whether they are monetary or otherwise.
Everything in the universe follows the principle of mutual energy exchange - there is no such thing as a free ride.
The bee takes pollen so that it may nurture and care for its hive. In exchange, it fertilizes the flower so that it too may thrive.
We have experienced that this same kind of balanced equitable exchange creates opportunity for the greatest benefits for everyone involved.
We therefore have payment plan options and limited sponsorships available for those who cannot meet the required investment, but who are yearning to heal and stand in their personal power.
Should this be you, then send us your payment plan proposal OR your written motivation as to what you HONESTLY CAN invest in yourself.
Fees include centre facilities, accommodation, course content & facilitator's fees.
Fees exclude Food and Heart Gifts.
Heart Gifts equalize the exchange of unseen energy invested on your behalf by the Dance Chief / Ceremonial Facilitator & Apprentices who offer themselves in service to the gathering.
The concept of 'Heart Gifting' is a traditional shamanic way of honouring energy exchange in both the tonal (everyday physical reality) & nagual (all spiritual levels).
The Heart Gift is an expression of appreciation & acknowledgment, to honour & equalize the exchange of energy invested on your behalf by the Dance Chief / Ceremonial Facilitator and Apprentices who offer themselves in service. Fees are charged for tuition, consultations, venue, upkeep, utilities, facilitators, organisational time & materials.
There is never a fee charged for Ceremony, a Heart Gift is the exchange.
Heart Gifts are just that – a gift from your heart, it can include something that is created, bought, that you have in abundance or hard cash.
When choosing a heart gift, it is helpful to ask yourself if you would be happy to receive what you are giving & if you feel balance in the exchange.
To give you an idea, the Fire Crew gives about 5 hours of their time to be of service to those who participate in a Sweat Lodge Ceremony. As do Healing Circle Apprentices who support a Crystal Sound Healing.
A Dance Chief or Ceremonial Facilitator has been extensively trained to hold & support a safe energetic tonal container and navigate the nagual on behalf of those participating in the ceremony or the person who has asked for healing.
We are often asked what kinds of Heart gifts are recommended, so here are some suggestions:
Quality lighters, pillar candles, dark / sugar-free chocolate, incense, gluten-free nibbles, wine, pots & plants, herbs & flowers, homemade treats, consumables (jam/honey/dark chocolate/ coconut oil/olive oil), essential oils, donations etc.
Please do not feel limited by this list and allow your heart to be your guide!
A Heart Gift is usually given with an offering of tobacco, which symbolizes the sealing of one's intent & a connection to spirit. This is done by taking a pinch of tobacco, holding it in your fingers as you state your intent, wrap it in red fabric & tie it closed with red yarn (red represents protection & heart connection.) This is then attached to your Heart Gift.
You can place your Heart Gifts in the BASKETS provided in the Centre when you arrive.
FEAST FOOD is a dish prepared for 8-12 people, brought to share with everyone, intended to nourish the spirit as well as the body in communal celebration. It can but does not have to be vegetarian. You can place your feast food in the KITCHEN upon arrival.
Following most community gatherings & ceremonies, we traditionally bring the event to completion with a sharing of Feast Food in celebration of the rebirth we have experienced together. As you will find in many cultures & traditions from around the world, feasting is a celebration of the rite through which we have just passed.
This dish should be created with love, consciousness & awareness by someone who cares about what they are making. This nurtures & nourishes the spirit as well as the body.
The kitchen is equipped with fridge, microwave oven, gas oven & stove, cooking utensils, dishwashing liquid & dishcloths.
Feel free to bring along any tea/coffee/refreshments or personal preferences to add to the communal collection.
Being at Home in Sacred Space
Welcome to our Centre - a shared sanctuary for rest, reflection, and reconnection.
We invite you to make yourself at home in this sacred space, while holding deep care for those sharing the journey beside you. There is a large communal teaching / gathering space, a well stocked Library for quiet inspiration, Medicine Wheel Gardens for contemplation and 6 acres of ceremonial land for prayer, walking, or simple presence
Digital Detox for Deep Presence
To support your full immersion, we ask that you leave behind all digital devices, including laptops, tablets, headphones, and e-readers.
There are no televisions, radios, or charging stations at the Centre. This is intentional.
We also ask that you turn off and put away your phone for the duration of your stay. Should you need to check in, you can do so in the parking area or away from the communal areas. This is a sacred invitation to step out of the noise, and into your Self.
Shared Agreements & Sacred Attitudes
We come together in a spirit of:
✨ Mindfulness
✨ Mutual respect
✨ Gentle responsibility
Here, everyone is asked to show up with presence and care - for yourself, each other, and the land.
Tending the Space Together
This is a communal environment where we all help maintain the beauty and flow. Please contribute by:
Washing and putting away dishes
Keeping the kitchen clean and flowing
Sweeping, tidying, and caring for shared spaces
Respectfully using and returning books, crafts, cushions, and ceremony tools
Mindful Resource Use
This land is loved and tended with deep care. Please:
Use water sparingly and with gratitude
Switch off lights when not in use
Follow our recycling and composting system (instructions on bins)
Rinse all recyclables before disposing
Substance-Free Sacred Space
No smoking or vaping indoors or in the circle.
There is a designated outdoor space for these needs.
No alcohol, drugs, or psychedelic substances may be used on the premises.
This is a clear boundary to protect the integrity of the work and the safety of the circle.
We hold two guiding mantras:
“If you see a job, it’s your job.”
“Walk in beauty.”
Let this space be a reflection of your inner sanctuary - held with reverence, shared in beauty.
Shamanism will help anyone who is looking to improve and change their quality of life. Regardless of the issue or challenge, the shamanic approach will help you root out the cause and bring you back to a state of wholeness and balance. Shamanism is the original form of spiritual, mental, physical and emotional connection to the world we live in. It is both compatible and complimentary to many belief systems. Over the years we have worked with many people who devoutly followed their religious beliefs and have used this shamanic approach to deepen their spiritual connection.
Your personal journey is an important one, the path you take and the choices you make affect your whole life. Imagine the responsibility of finding the right nursery school for your two year old child, knowing that whatever school you choose will impact them (positively or negatively) in every aspect of their growth and development.
You would ensure that you explored all options so you could make the best decision for your precious bundle of joy.
You are equally as precious and it's just as important when choosing the right therapist, teacher or guide to aid you in your self-growth. This is why we encourage you to do your homework before committing to any person or modality, including us.
You can find many people out there calling themselves shamans and medicine (wo)men, however you cannot just take a few courses, spend some time in nature and then advertise yourself as a shaman. It takes many years of training, teaching and practice to become a shaman. A real shaman is not intent on getting you to believe what they say but rather to help you find your own truth and wisdom. To be a shaman is to follow a calling. No-one has all the answers and it's best to steer clear of anyone who suggests or intimates that they do. Talk to them, find out what they are about and trust your intuition to make the decision that feels right for you.
If the spirit of Sacred Journeys touches you, then take the first step to connect by booking a free 20-minute video-call with us - no obligations!
An opportunity to open your mind and see the world from a different perspective.
A way to re-connect and learn from Nature, our simplest and greatest teacher.
An opportunity to let go of whatever holds you back from being that beautiful, natural human you dream yourself to be.
A new and exciting experience taking you out of your normal everyday life.
Tools and techniques that give you a deeper insight into the human psyche .
Sharing in a community of like minded people that support each other in a unique and open hearted way.
Schedule a free 20 minute video-call to ask any questions you have.
Testimonials
Lou & Laurel are teachers who walk their talk. I always experience deepening, opening, expanding awareness. Feminine and Masucline balance.
I am Lara Wisdom Rider, I have met and merged with the Giraffe that is me. I felt honoured, loved and safe journeying with Lou and Laurel in this magickal, loving space up in the hills. I have shown up for myself. Beautiful sunset over Drummond Valley.
To have a safe place to feel human & to grow & learn in an environment which is full of integrity is just what Laurel & Lou provide, & then over deliver! Love this sh*t – keep talking your walk…
Being within the safety & sanctuary of Sacred Journeys with Laurel & Lou creates the safest & most loving environment to reveal parts of myself I’ve been so afraid to reveal & heal. I trust them with my life… they have held my life in their hands & helped me to heal & grow. Keep doing what you do. Keep sharing. Keep loving. Bird of paradise.
